The most common pressure washer problems, from 1,436 verified buyers

1. The most common pressure washer problem owners report: “Broke down or developed a fault”, raised in 38% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Weak or falling pressure” (22%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Powerful: patios and drives come up like new”, in 39% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 91% of verified buyers rated their pressure washer 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; pressure washers rank 27 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 6% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 17.
5. Across the 6 pressure washers with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 79% to 98%.
6. Paying more did not disappoint more buyers: the pricier half of these pressure washers had a median of 96% happy buyers, against 94% for the cheaper half (up to £159).
7. Buyers in the UK were the happiest (95% at 4 or 5 stars), and buyers in the US and Canada the least (85%).

Share of the 127 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. Broke down or developed a fault38%
   Came up on 5 models
2. 2. Weak or falling pressure22%
   Came up on 3 models
3. 3. Slow support, repairs or spare parts10%
   Came up on 3 models
4. 4. Leaks at the hose connection9%
   Came up on 2 models
5. 5. Stiff hose and awkward storage5%
   Came up on 3 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. Broke down or developed a fault (38% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

2. 2. Weak or falling pressure (22% of complaints)

   Bar figures are maximums: for patios and cars, check the flow rate too, and that your tap gives enough water.

3. 3. Slow support, repairs or spare parts (10% of complaints)

   Check how long the guarantee runs, whether the maker repairs in your country, and whether parts like filters, brushes and batteries are sold separately.

4. 4. Leaks at the hose connection (9% of complaints)

   Check the seals are in place before each use and don't overtighten plastic fittings.

5. 5. Stiff hose and awkward storage (5% of complaints)

   Look for a hose reel and check the hose length against your garden.

Share of the 453 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Powerful: patios and drives come up like new39%
   Came up on 9 models
2. 2. Easy to set up and use18%
   Came up on 9 models
3. 3. Light, compact and easy to store11%
   Came up on 5 models
4. 4. Good value for the money8%
   Came up on 5 models
5. 5. A clear step up from what they had5%
   Came up on 5 models

Regions with 30 or more ratings, by where the shop is. Shops in each region sell different models, so a gap can come from the models as much as from the buyers.